Caley Thistle defender Kevin McNaughton is expected to return earlier than expected from an Achilles injury.
McNaughton’s season was feared to be over after the former Aberdeen player suffered the injury in just the second league match of the season, in the early stages of Inverness’ 3-2 derby loss to Ross County in August.
The 34-year-old has returned to light training in recent days and manager Richie Foran, who made McNaughton one of his first signings on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic after replacing John Hughes at the end of last season, is excited by the prospect him being back.
Foran said: “Kevin has been doing the warm-ups with the rest of the squad and he’s been passing the ball and twisting and turning.
“It’s a big boost for me to have his experience and knowledge and reading of the game.
“He’s very experienced, he’s played at a top level. I didn’t think we would get him back this season, but looking at him I think he’s only two or three weeks away from being back available.”
Inverness have the second-worst defensive record in the league having conceded 46 goals in 25 games, and Foran hopes the return of former Scotland international McNaughton, who has four caps for his country, will benefit others.
Foran added: “A big part of why we wanted him in was we wanted the experience and his composure at the back.
“He can talk our younger defenders through the game and to lose him was a massive blow for this season.
“We have him involved, we let him have his say at team talks and we’ll ask for his thoughts after a game.
“He’s helping Duncan Shearer out with the under-20s so we have him involved around the place.
“The injured players are still a big part of the squad.”
